36 BBQ Menu Ideas: Recipes That Will Transform Your Backyard Party

• Time Commitment: 8 hours and 5 minutes (includes freezing time)
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, no cook
• Serves: 1

"To make it even more refresh (and nostalgic), I turned this trendy bev into a frozen slushie," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen explains. As long as you freeze the lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale) the night before the cookout, these cocktails will be ready in no time. Plus, you can serve a vodka-free version to the kids at the party.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 16 to 18

As a former bartender, I had fun creating this recipe. It's easy enough for total newbies to pull off, but it's still more exciting than a typical mimosa. Make the fruit bases a few days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. As for serving, a one-to-one ratio of juice to Champagne is the typical recommendation…but few guests will mind a heavy hand.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 1

Break out the copper tumblers. Take this classic up a notch by swapping sweet guava juice and smoky mezcal in for traditional lime juice and ginger beer. (You can substitute tequila, if you'd prefer.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6 to 8

Bring your favorite dry riesling to life with sweet peach juice and fresh summer produce. (The orange liqueur won't hurt, either.) Swap in ice for frozen fruit so the sangria doesn't get diluted over time, and you'll take this from a BBQ menu idea "to consider" to an annual cookout essential.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 1

Does anything scream "summer" louder than ice cold lemonade? Actually, yes: recipe creator Heidi Larsen's grown-up version, made with herbs and raw honey. (Personally, I'd opt for mint and bourbon.) Make the simple syrup ahead for easy mixing on the day of the cookout.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6

Place this swirled stunner on the patio table and watch it vanish in 30 seconds flat. The key to the dip's layered flavor is infusing the oil and carrot with herbs and spices before pouring it over the yogurt. For the most pronounced swirl of oil, choose a naturally thick Greek yogurt—such as Fage—or swap in sour cream or labneh.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 8

Remember when upside-down pastries took over foodTok back in summer 2023? They're every bit as relevant—and delicious—today. "My version features a blackberry-Brie combination that's a little bit sweet, a touch savory and as easy to devour as it is to assemble," Gillen writes. "I highly recommend serving them on the patio with a Hugo spritz for the full effect."

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 4 to 6

It's vegetarian, gluten free and stars peak-delicious tomatoes—what's not to love? The only "cooking" this BBQ menu idea requires is infusing oil with garlic for a few minutes; marinating the salad in the fridge does the rest of the heavy lifting (and using canned beans, of course).

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, high protein
• Serves: 4

Consider these tacos the tropical vacation you’ve been craving. Hot sauce, cayenne, chile powder and jalapeño keep things spicy, while fresh mango and lime juice offer cool relief to every bite. Fresh guacamole and a few pickled red onions on top will seal the deal.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

I'm calling it: This is the new caprese salad. A few char marks will put a smoky spin on everyone’s favorite summer fruit, not to mention zingy balsamic vinegar. (And in case you need help cutting the watermelon...)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, make ahead, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 6 to 8

Chicken wings just got a crowd-friendly makeover. The best part about these bite-sized summer appetizers, which can be assembled ahead? They're way less messy than traditional drums and flats, so much so that you won't need napkins. (Well, maybe just one.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, no cook, make ahead
• Serves: 6

"I love a good ol' Caesar, but when a salad needs to have enough pizazz to cut through a rich meal, I reach for a recipe that's more complex," admits Gillen. This assortment of sharp radicchio, Insta-worthy frisée and sweet-tart apples is sure to surprise. (And don't even get me started on the from-scratch ranch dressing.)

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, make ahead
• Serves: 6

Nothing beats a no-sweat side dish that comes together in a blink and feeds a group. "While you could certainly use frozen corn any time of year for this recipe, I highly recommend seeking out fresh corn on the cob," Gillen notes. "It's sweeter and more flavorful, and will caramelize when it hits the hot skillet. "

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 2

"This salad has a few of my favorite things," writes reality-TV-star-turned-cookbook-author Kristin Cavallari. "Salmon (which has omega-3s and is so, so good for you), bacon (no explanation needed), avocado (healthy fats) and spicy tomatillo ranch dressing (just yum)." I'd argue it's hearty enough to serve as a main dish, if you feel so inclined.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 4

This stunning spread is loaded with salty slices of grilled halloumi, charred summer peaches and crunchy pine nuts, so expect plenty of oohs and ahhs from your guests the moment it hits the table. Make extra garlicky basil-citrus dressing to drizzle over pasta salad or sandwiches tomorrow.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegan
• Serves: 6

Don’t listen to your kids: A little green never hurts. In fact, they’ll find these seasoned, chilled cucumbers super refreshing after a day of playing in the yard. Up the decadence factor by stirring in some sour cream.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein
• Serves: 4

"If your goal is to keep the house cool and make dinner with as little effort as possible, the last thing you need is a bunch of seasonings and sauces to keep track of, not to mention a mess of dishes and tools," Gillen writes. "This recipe maximizes the flavor and minimizes the mess." (Seriously—you'll only need eight ingredients, including salt, pepper and olive oil.)

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, high protein
• Serves: 6

Three words: Spicy Cajun butter. Line the patio table with newspaper, drench these shrimp boil-inspired skewers in the stuff, then lay them out for your guests to snatch up and devour. When they're finished, simply ball up the newspaper "tablecloth" and toss it. Bye-bye, mess.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, dairy free, gluten free
• Serves: 4 to 6

Barbecues tend to be a meat fest, so it's smart to have at least one vegetarian or vegan main for your plant-based friends. They'll be thrilled to nosh on this combo of smoky cauli florets (which recipe creator Nisha Vora describes as "crispy, sticky, spicy and a little sweet,") lime-kissed slaw and dairy-free cilantro crema.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

Ground beef who? Salmon’s the new belle of the BBQ, and she’s bringing Old Bay, fresh dill and tangy coleslaw along for the ride. Save some time on the big day by preparing the patties and slaw the night before. That way, all you have to do once the guests arrive is cook and assemble.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 4

Wrap juicy chicken breasts up with your favorite seasonal produce and cook them to juicy perfection, right on the grill. If you think this BBQ menu idea looks like a win now, wait until you realize this recipe only leaves you with one dirty dish to clean (and a whole lot of charred summer corn).

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
• Serves: 6

This sweet-and-savory pork main is magical on its own, but I like to pile it high on a bun with lots of dressed cabbage and grilled pineapple. Use the leftovers in quesadillas or on pizza for the kids (if there are any, that is) and rice bowls for the grown-ups.

• Time Commitment: 2 hours
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6

The best thing about this BBQ menu idea (well, besides the zippy marinade and lemon-mustard sauce)? You can kick back with a cocktail and some chitchat for a whole hour while the steak marinates. Acidic malt vinegar and Worcestershire sauce will help tenderize it before it hits the grates. That's a win-win-win.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8 to 10

It's not a summer barbecue without it. "In the spirit of all the most delicious side dishes, it actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge, so I highly recommend making it a day ahead of your picnic," Gillen suggests. "Pick up a bag of ice on your way to the park to keep it chilled, so you don’t let that mayonnaise sit out in the sun for too long."

• Time Commitment: 6 hours and 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, slow cooker recipe
• Serves: 6

With so much action going on in the backyard, it'll be a relief to let the Crockpot take care of a dish or two indoors. Be sure to soak the navy beans overnight before transferring them to the slow cooker; it's key to their cooking process.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, make ahead
• Serves: 6

Is there anything cauliflower can't do? Spuds get the boot in this riff on a picnic classic, but it's just as creamy as the standard thanks to Greek yogurt, sour cream and Dijon mustard. (If you prefer potatoes, try this ranch potato salad on for size.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, make ahead
• Serves: 4

Ripe, buttery avocados and spicy green chiles are impeccable matches for ooey-gooey white cheddar sauce. Add sweet canned corn kernels to this BBQ menu idea for some seasonal flair, breadcrumbs for crunch or hot sauce for more heat. (Better yet, why not all three?)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 6

As far as BBQ menu ideas go, this summer staple is a no brainer, especially when you dress it up with sriracha aioli instead of drenching it in salt and butter. Add lime juice, queso fresco and chili powder for an elote-inspired take.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
• Serves: 4

Baked avocados are a thing—a rich, creamy, beautiful thing. Pile them high with in-season cherry tomatoes and corn kernels, plus salty queso fresco crumbles. (Feta or goat cheese work, too.) Finally, artfully drizzle them with balsamic vinegar for a punch of acidity.

• Time Commitment: 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
• Serves: 8 to 10

If you're seeking a showstopping dessert, look no further. "The striking pink topping is just a dusting of freeze-dried raspberries that have been powdered in a food processor," explains Gillen. "You can find them at grocery stores like Trader Joe's or online, but it's an optional touch. A smattering of fresh berries or a touch of lemon zest would be equally delicious and elegant."

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
• Serves: 4

"It's a make-ahead wonder that can be cooked on a campfire and tastes like a spoonful of summertime," raves Gillen. Simply nestle the packets atop a hot grill or a bed of coals and let them bubble away for 20 minutes. You'll be left with an impressive treat (that'll be begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream) and minimal mess.

• Time Commitment: 4 hours and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, make ahead
• Serves: 9

Ice pops are a great summer dessert, not only because it's hot out, but also because they can be prepared ahead and the freezer does most of the heavy lifting. "These are creamy and refreshingly tart like the pie they’re inspired by, but heat wave-ready," Gillen writes. "Best of all, you'll need less than ten ingredients to make them." Use disposable cups or Champagne flutes if you don't have molds handy.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
• Why I Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegan, crowd-pleaser
• Serves: 6

There are few things as refreshing as a frosty spoonful of shaved ice. Add the citrusy masterpiece to a glass of Champagne to squeeze in an early nightcap (or two). You can also substitute cara cara orange, lemon or lime juice if you'd prefer.

• Time Commitment: 3 hours and 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly
• Serves: 8

Ditch the crystal-cut bowl and give this historically stuffy British dessert a casual, crowd-pleasing facelift. Homemade meringue makes this shareable sweet a standout BBQ menu idea. Your kids can help make the whipped topping, toss the fruit in lemon juice and sugar or assemble the trifle.

• Time Commitment: 55 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
• Serves: 8

Warning: These are as irresistible as they look. The secret to this unexpected pick’s cream filling, which just so happens to be light as air and remarkably fluffy? A boatload of whipped corn kernels. (Just trust the process, OK?)

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, make ahead, no bake
• Serves: 6 to 8

You’ll never be too old to dunk a graham cracker (or spoon) into this nostalgic dip. Serve this BBQ menu idea alongside a simple s’mores station, and you’ll officially be crowned the hostess with the mostest.